L'Oréal USA Sunscreen Formulas Containing Mexoryl® Offer Broad Spectrum Protection

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) NEW YORK, June 15, 2011 -- L'Oréal USA, the U.S. subsidiary of the world’s largest beauty company, applauds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement of significant changes to sunscreen products and labeling that will help consumers select and use sunscreen more effectively. L’Oréal, also a leader in sunscreen technology, aims to provide consumers with the best and most efficacious products to help protect themselves and their families from sun damage. 

L’Oréal’s sunscreen formulas containing Mexoryl® SX, a unique organic filter that is highly protective against short UVA waves, were approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA in 2006.  These formulas, when used as directed and supplemented with other sun protection measures, reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging as well as help prevent sunburn caused by UVA and UVB rays. Mexoryl® SXis only available in L'Oréal USA’s brands and provides the broad spectrum protection that that FDA is now recommending for consumers to use. The company has also initiated the registration of another state-of-the-art UVA filter, Mexoryl® XL, with FDA to provide U.S. consumers product formulas with an additional effective broad spectrum UV filter. This proprietary ingredient is already widely used in sunscreen products sold in Europe and Japan.   “Sunscreens play a critical role in protecting the public from the damaging rays of the sun,” said Eric Bone, Vice President L’Oréal USA Corporate Research and Innovation. “The new FDA rules will enable consumers to select sunscreen products formulated with both UVA and UVB protection and will help to provide effective protection from sunburn, premature skin aging and certain types of skin cancer. The new sunscreen labeling will make it easier for consumers to use sunscreens safely and effectively.”   When exposed to the sun, consumers should use sunscreen products with a SPF 15 or higher and which also provide broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection. L’Oréal USA, along with leading dermatologists and health care professionals, recommends that sunscreen be used every day, year-round, as part of a sun-safe practice. The company manufactures many daily use skincare and cosmetics products which also offer broad spectrum sun protection.   Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancers and L’Oréal USA suggests that consumers consider the following tips to practice safe sun this summer:   Timing is Everything: Plan your outdoor activities to avoid the time of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest, and use extra caution near water, snow and sand, which reflect and intensify the sun’s rays.   Cover-Up: Wear protective clothing including hats, sunglasses and longer sleeves.   Go Broad: Only use sunscreens with a SPF 15 or higher and which also provide both UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection.   Reapply: Check to make sure the formula you select is water resistant and if so for how long. New sunscreens will be labeled water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes.   Start Young: Instill safe sun practices at an early age for everyone of all skin tones. Remember sun damage is cumulative.     About L’Oréal USA L'Oréal USA, headquartered in New York City, with 2010 sales of over $4.7 billion and 9,800 employees, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L'Oréal SA, the world’s leading beauty company. In addition to corporate headquarters in New York, L'Oréal USA has Research and Innovation, Manufacturing and Distribution facilities across seven states, including New Jersey, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.    L'Oréal's impressive portfolio of brands includes Lancôme, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Viktor & Rolf, Diesel, Cacharel, L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, L'Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase and Shu Uemura Art of Hair. The U.S. is the base for the product development, international marketing and advertising for L'Oréal’s eleven American brands: Maybelline New York, Soft-Sheen.Carson, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Essie Cosmetics, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Matrix, Mizani, Pureology, SkinCeuticals and Dermablend. For more information visit www.lorealusa.com.       Media Contact:
Pamela Gill Alabaster L’Oréal USA 212-984-4905 palabaster@us.loreal.com  

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